Deck 1: Theory Is a Good Thing

Question 1

Why does the text's author believe theory is a good thing? Give two reasons and explain.

Answer 1

The text's author believes that theory is a good thing for two main reasons.

Firstly, the author argues that theory provides a framework for understanding and interpreting complex phenomena. By formulating theories, we are able to organize and make sense of the world around us, allowing us to predict and explain various events and behaviors. This can be especially beneficial in fields such as science, sociology, and psychology, where understanding underlying principles and patterns is crucial for making progress and solving problems.

Secondly, the author believes that theory stimulates critical thinking and innovation. By challenging existing assumptions and proposing new ideas, theories can inspire further research and discovery. They encourage us to question the status quo and explore alternative perspectives, leading to the development of new knowledge and the advancement of society as a whole.

Overall, the author sees theory as a valuable tool for making sense of the world and driving intellectual progress. By providing a framework for understanding and inspiring critical thinking, theory can ultimately lead to new insights and advancements in various fields.

Question 2

The author uses the terms "counseling" and "psychotherapy" interchangeably in the text to reflect the dominant view that the two activities are similar. Traditionally, what was considered to be the difference between the terms "counseling" and "psychotherapy"?

Answer 2

Traditionally, the terms "counseling" and "psychotherapy" were considered to have different implications. Counseling was often viewed as a process for individuals who are dealing with normal life stressors or transitions and need guidance or support, while psychotherapy was seen as a more intensive, long-term process aimed at deeper understanding and change, often used for individuals dealing with serious mental health issues or disorders. However, these distinctions have blurred over time, and many professionals now use the terms interchangeably.

Question 3

Explain how counseling theory might function as a schema. What are the benefits and drawbacks from this perspective?

Answer 3

Counseling theory can function as a schema in the sense that it provides a framework for understanding and interpreting the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals. Just like a schema helps organize and make sense of information, counseling theories offer a way to organize and make sense of the complexities of human experiences and relationships.

One benefit of using counseling theory as a schema is that it provides a structured approach to understanding and addressing the issues that clients bring to therapy. By using a theoretical framework, counselors can make sense of their clients' experiences and develop targeted interventions to help them. This can lead to more effective and efficient therapy, as well as a greater sense of direction for both the counselor and the client.

However, one drawback of using counseling theory as a schema is that it can be limiting. If a counselor adheres too strictly to a particular theoretical approach, they may overlook important nuances and complexities in their clients' experiences. Additionally, not all clients may fit neatly into the framework provided by a specific counseling theory, which can lead to a mismatch between the client's needs and the counselor's approach.

In conclusion, while using counseling theory as a schema can provide structure and direction in therapy, it is important for counselors to remain open to the unique experiences and needs of each client, and to be willing to adapt their approach as necessary.

Question 4

Describe the common factors approach and identify one of the most often cited common factors that is discussed in the text.

Question 5

According to ethical guidelines put forth by the American Psychological Association and American Counseling Association, is it ethical for a counselor to engage in a sexual relationship with a current client? Or a former client?

Question 6

The NIMH Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP) found that:

A) the effects of psychotherapy were no different from placebo treatment.
B) interpersonal therapy was superior to cognitive behavioral therapy.
C) pharmacological therapies were superior to psychotherapies.
D) clients in this study did not improve much.

Question 7

A statistical technique that combines the results of a selected set of studies into an overall index of effectiveness is called:

A) multiple regression
B) meta-analysis
C) standard deviation
D) bi-variate regression

Question 8

The EST movement began in Division 12 of the____________

A) American Psychological Association
B) American Counseling Association
C) International Psychoanalytical Association
D) American Mental Health Counselors Association

Question 9

A theory:

A) gives scientists more sophisticated methods to state what they already know.
B) is NOT comprised of constructs or ideas that are related to one another.
C) is useful to a scientist, but not a practitioner.
D) provides explanations for human behavior.

Question 10

The primary purpose of theories of counseling is to explain:

A) the processes for human behavior change.
B) personality development.
C) cognitive changes that occur across the lifespan.
D) mechanisms for healthy versus unhealthy personalities.

Question 11

Which of the following statements reflects a way that cognitive schemata can be harmful?

A) They interfere with a person's ability to organize information.
B) They contribute to the formation of stereotypes.
C) They give us too much information and impede information processing.
D) They allow us to more effectively learn a foreign language.

Question 12

A counseling theory:

A) helps therapists organize information about their clients.
B) may lead a therapist to view a client from a biased perspective.
C) contributes to the gap between theory and practice.
D) both a and b are true.

Question 13

Counseling theories provide therapists with:

A) fancy ways to talk to their clients about their presenting problems.
B) a method to identify with their clients.
C) a professional schemata.
D) alternative to relying on self-disclosure during therapy sessions.

Question 14

A good counseling theory is:

A) precise
B) has empirical support
C) fits the client well
D) a and b

Question 15

The most important point of Project MATCH was to

A) conduct a bigger, better, psychotherapy outcome study
B) discover the unique ingredients of the Alcoholics Anonymous approach
C) look at the effectiveness of three approaches to therapy with many kinds of clients
D) assess the effects of client characteristics in psychotherapy outcome

Question 16

The Consumer Reports study was controversial because

A) it used retrospective reports of clients
B) it was not an experimental study
C) the therapists in the study were atheoretical
D) a and b

Question 17

The principle of ___________ says the simplest explanation that can handle the data is the best.

A) stimulation
B) parsimony
C) practicality
D) none of the above

Question 18

The ethical principles of ___________ dictate that counseling professionals are always attentive to client welfare and do not engage in behaviors that could in any way harm the client.

A) informed consent and competence
B) professionalism and concern
C) beneficence and malfeasance
D) none of the above

Question 19

___________ dictates that clients be given information in writing regarding the confidentiality of information they give to therapists.

A) HIPPA
B) MAPA
C) WHO
D) none of the above

Question 20

If you are working with clients below the age of _____, you'll need to know that they legally cannot give informed consent to treatment (except in a few circumstances).

A) 16
B) 13
C) 18
D) 21

Question 21

Which of the following is one of the most clearly defined rules regarding confidentiality?

A) Clients can give consent to the counselor to disclose information as they wish.
B) Counselors are bound to disclose information if the client is in danger of harming him or herself or someone else.
C) All states in the U.S. mandate that the counselor report evidence of abuse of a child.
D) All of the above.

Question 22

Counselors are not acting in a competent manner when they

A) experience burnout
B) conduct counseling sessions while impaired
C) practice using new approach with lack of appropriate skills in that method
D) all of the above

Question 23

What is usually the first step to take if you observe a peer or colleague acting in an unethical way?

A) report your peer to their professional organization
B) try to informally resolve the issue by talking to the transgressor
C) report your peer to law authorities
D) contact your peer's licensing board regarding her/his behavior

Question 24

In Eysenck's (1952) study, the control groups were:

A) state hospital patients.
B) insurance clients.
C) waiting list controls.
D) both a and b.

Question 25

Eysenck (1952) found that:

A) psychotherapy was effective.
B) clients who received no therapy demonstrated better outcomes than those who received any therapy.
C) behavior therapy was better than psychoanalysis.
D) eclectic therapy was better than no treatment.